What if the hard parts of your story were actually preparing you to lead?

In this powerful episode of Transformational Educators, Dr. Matthew Flippen talks with Jayme Braida, Principal of Columbus Elementary and Iowa’s 2025 Elementary Principal of the Year. Jayme shares how her leadership identity was forged through childhood adversity, how her faith and purpose continue to guide her, and how she cultivates a resilient, relational school culture. If you’ve ever wondered how to lead through challenge without losing yourself, this episode will equip and inspire you. Learn how transformational leadership grows from reflection, grace, and the daily decision to show up with courage.

KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Leadership identity can form long before stepping into a formal role
• Adversity, when reframed, becomes a powerful leadership teacher
• Relational leadership drives sustainable school culture change
• Capturing Kids’ Hearts creates belonging for staff and students
• Values-based leadership fosters alignment and integrity
• Grace and accountability can coexist in effective leadership
• Staff emotional support builds long-term instructional trust
• Leading with faith brings clarity and purpose during trials
• Reflective practices help leaders stay anchored in mission
• Transformational impact starts with seeing people deeply

BEST MOMENTS

00:01:59. “I was the kid full of potential, but very misunderstood.”
00:02:49. “My leadership identity was formed long before I became a teacher.”
00:04:07. “Sometimes those things follow you into life. I made mistakes I wasn’t proud of.”
00:05:32. “She came to the hospital when my son was born. I thought, I want to be a principal like her.”
00:06:20. “I’ve always tried to have a bigger impact than just my own classroom.”
00:08:03. “Grace became a core value when I needed it the most.”
00:10:58. “You can’t have a kid’s head before you have their heart. That’s true for adults too.”
00:14:11. “Deep purpose and resilience really come from living through hardships and leaning on faith.”

🔗 Explore Gracelyn University’s online programs and leadership resources: https://www.gracelyn.edu

Transformational Educators | School Leadership Stories

Thank you for listening to Transformational Educators, where we share real stories of servant leadership, trust-building, and purpose-driven change in schools.

🔗 Explore Gracelyn University’s online programs and leadership resources:
https://www.gracelyn.edu

📖 Read Dr. Matthew Flippen’s new book, Win With Your Talent Pipeline:
https://zurl.co/EDveZ

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If today’s conversation inspired you to lead with courage and care, share it with another educator or school leader. Together we can build schools that truly transform lives.

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